NOTTINGHAM CITY Transport may introduce a network of midibus routes to improve access to services for elderly people in the City area.

The City council had agreed the concept for a new network of routes using 33-seat buses.

It will be in addition to the established and commercial conventional bus network in the city and is designed to meet the needs of those who find it difficult to use conventional buses but do not require the specialised transport needs of the disabled.

The new buses will have conductors and will be designed to make access as easy as possible, though no specialised equipment such as wheelchair lifts is expected to be fitted.

The city has published a report on improving access to its bus services and conclusions reached in the report have been accepted by the Council.

The report uses information from detailed questionnaires printed in the Nottingham area civic newspaper and requests from organisations representing people with disabilities.

It reviews developments in the design of standard Nottingham buses to make them easier for infirm passengers to use.

The proposed midibus operation will cover nine routes in areas of the city that are either too hilly or the streets too narrow for double-deck or conventional single-deck operation.

The transport undertaking is currently looking at the financial implications of the proposal.